The relation between tillering and dry matter production in cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.). Grown under spaced and sward conditions.

Abstract

A study of nine clones of cocksfoot (Dactylis glomemta) showed that differences between clones in dry matter production were not associated with tillering ability. The clones, seven of Mediterranean origin and two from Great Britain, were grown under the spacing conditions of a breeding nursery and in swards, but were not defoliated. Individual plant weight and tiller number were greatly reduced by sward conditions, as compared with plants under spaced conditions. Tiller weight was much less affected. Thus the lower individual plant weight in swards was associated mainly with fewer tillers. Tiller numbers in the swards rose to a peak during the second year, followed by a decline to the end of the growing season. The decline, which differed between clones, was related to plant weight and was probably correlated with the mutual shading of the plants.